Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Devaswom Board has suspended B. Murari Babu, currently serving as the Deputy Devaswom Commissioner in Haripad, in connection with the Sabarimala gold leaf controversy. Murari Babu had previously served as the Administrative Officer at Sabarimala during the period in question.
According to official sources, the suspension follows findings that, on June 17, 2019, while serving as the Sabarimala Administrative Officer, Murari Babu incorrectly reported that the guardian sculptures flanking the main shrine were made of copper, rather than gold-plated. This misreporting was deemed a serious lapse, as it was submitted to the Sabarimala Executive Officer, providing inaccurate information.
Murari Babu later told the media that a subsequent inspection had revealed the sculptures were indeed made of copper, and the gold leaf had to be reapplied. The process was carried out under the supervision of officials from the Travancore Devaswom Commissioner’s office. He explained that during the reapplication in July 2019, although his administrative charge had changed, the physical inspection was completed in the presence of commissioner office officials.
He further clarified that the gold leaf had been applied to the pillars, guardian sculptures, platforms, and the sanctum area, using approximately one kilogram of gold. Only a small amount of gold had been visible externally, which led to the earlier confusion. The gold leaf was intended to preserve the roof from weathering, and the application continues to be present on the shrine.
The Devaswom Vigilance investigation concluded that Murari Babu had directed that the 2019 gold leaf panels be labeled as “copper panels” when distributed for application. The report also notes that he requested additional panels for gold leaf application in 2024.
The suspension underscores the board’s commitment to accountability in managing Sabarimala’s historic and religious assets.
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